BREAKING:
More KWorks Line Up Changes
It seems as though KWorks and MNet project groups have yet to catch a break.
Last December, Unity fans were shocked when member Kai pulled out of the group, returning home to Taipei, leaving eighth-place contestant Tomi to take her place. And again in June, Creed member Ren returned to Japan, prompting KWorks to replace him with season two’s eighth place trainee, Sang. KWorks and MNet caught a lot of heat after the second departure, with accusations being thrown at them that they didn’t treat their foreign idols properly-- claims that were denied. MNet sought legal action against netizens who were spreading the rumors.
The rumors are back in full force today, however-- while in New York, representative for 360 Studios announced that due to some serious health concerns, Idol Project 3 contestant Yena would not only be withdrawing from the rest of the tour, but possibly from DIVA as a whole.
“We don’t want to make any declarations-- the future is uncertain at this moment in time,” a 360 employee announced. “While Yena may very well recover quickly and be able to rejoin DIVA when the tour comes back to Seoul, we don’t want to make any promises we cannot keep.” No statements were made regarding what was actually wrong with the nineteen-year-old dancer.
Yena’s withdrawal had fans across the world wondering about the fate of DIVA, and MNet was quick to address those concerns. “DIVA is a project group-- much like Creed and Unity,” a producer for Idol Project explained. “Just like with our previous two project groups, we felt it right to offer the open spot to the next highest ranking female trainee of season 3.”
That trainee, as it turned out, was Kang Myungji, who turned them down-- DS Media officials stated that Myungji did not personally feel ready to debut in a group, and that the stress of learning their sets was too much for her, leaving KWorks to go to the next highest ranked trainee-- Kwon Dambi, also known as Bambi. The decision for her to take Yena’s spot confused a lot of netizens, as Bambi was famous on the show for refusing to perform genres and concepts she didn’t like.
“We have full confidence in Bambi’s ability to rise to this challenge,” a second 360 rep was quoted saying. “Bambi has grown and matured considerably since the wrapping of Idol Project, and is willing to step in for Yena. Kwon Dambi has considerable dance abilities and is a very strong performer, so we do not think she will have any problems catching up and learning Yena’s part.” They also stated that Bambi will be continuing in Yena’s position until/unless she feels well enough to return.